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IBA Spectrum Awards

INDIANA BROADCASTERS ASSOC INC

Foundation Annual
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Funding Amount

Varies

Deadline

August 18, 2026

98 days left

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

IBA Spectrum Awards

Overview: The 30th Annual Spectrum Awards recognize outstanding achievement in broadcasting by Indiana radio and television stations. This is an annual awards program for the best in Indiana TV and radio.

Geographic Scope: Indiana only

Award Focus Areas:

Radio Categories:

  • Station of the Year

  • Best Newscast Radio Station

  • Broadcast Personality or Team

  • Local Community Involvement

  • Sports

  • Commercial

  • Best Promotional Campaign

  • Election Coverage

    • Television Categories:

  • Station of the Year

  • General News Story

  • News Feature/Use of Medium

  • Weathercast

  • Local Community Involvement

  • Sportscast

  • Commercial

  • Election Coverage

    • Market Divisions:

  • Radio Market 1: Indianapolis Metro Area, Evansville, Fort Wayne, South Bend

  • Radio Market 2: All Other Markets

  • Television Market 1: Indianapolis Metro Area

  • Television Market 2: All Other Markets

    • Entry Fees: $30 per entry

    Submission Limits: Individual stations may submit up to five entries per category

    Event Details:

  • Annual ceremony held in November

  • Location: 502 East Event Centre in Carmel, Indiana

  • Broadcast quality recognition and celebration

    • Eligibility:

  • Indiana TV and radio stations

  • IBA member stations

    • Contact Information:

  • Address: Indiana Broadcasters Association, P.O. Box 902, Carmel, IN 46082

  • Phone: 317-701-0084

  • Website: indianabroadcasters.org

    • How to Apply

    Spectrum Awards Application Process

    1. Account Creation:
    - Create a new account in Best In Media system
    - Note: New account required each year for security reasons
    - Can use same username/password/email as previous year
    - Access via "Log In / Create Account" in top navigator bar

    2. Entry Submission:
    - Access FORMS section to select entry form
    - Complete entry form with station and submission details
    - Submit entries through Best In Media platform

    3. Media File Requirements:

    Video Files:
    - Formats: MP4 or YouTube links
    - MP4 Specifications:
    - CODEC: H.264 / AVC
    - Bitrate: 2000-3000 (Fixed or variable)
    - Frame Rate: 24, 29.97, or 30 fps (no higher than 30fps)
    - Aspect Ratio: 1280 x 720 or 1920 x 1080
    - Audio: MP3 / 1 or 48K / 16 bit / stereo / 192-320kbps
    - YouTube Videos:
    - Must enter full YouTube URL on entry form
    - MUST upload URL to Media Manager
    - Upload removes advertising and playlist functions
    - Allows judges to view in standard player
    - Native Frame Rates: If edited above 30fps, export as 24, 29.97, or 30fps (industry standard)
    - No 3rd party website URLs allowed for video/audio playback

    Audio Files:
    - Format: MP3 only

    Photos:
    - Formats: JPEG or PNG

    4. Media Manager:
    - Access via "MEDIA MANAGER" in top navigator
    - Upload media files
    - View all uploaded media
    - Essential for video viewing by judges

    5. Payment:
    - All payments made online only
    - Accepted: Credit/debit card
    - Have card information ready before accessing payment form

    6. Deadline: Friday, August 18 at 11:59 p.m.

    7. Rules and Criteria: Available in detailed submission guidelines

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